Former UND Women’s Hockey Players File Discrimination Lawsuit

Eleven former players from the University of North Dakota women's hockey team have filed a discrimination lawsuit as they seek to earn reinstatement for the program that was cut back in early 2017.

This past Tuesday, a federal complaint was filed against the University of North Dakota System alleging the university violated Title IX laws prohibiting women from being treated differently because of their gender.

The suit states that amongst women's athletic programs at UND, the hockey program was 'the most prominent and popular sport.' The suit also states that throughout North Dakota and the Upper Midwest, there are increasing numbers of young women playing hockey at high school and club levels.

According to Sports Illustrated, class-action status is being sought by the players filing the suit on behalf of the university’s 'current, prospective and future female students' affected by dropping the NCAA Division I program.

In the final season for the women's hockey team at UND in 2016-17, the team was ranked as high as 6th in the nation. Olympians Monique and Jocelyne Lamoureux were part of a squad that reached the NCAA quarterfinals two straight years. Several other former team members have played in the Olympics as well.

Spokesmen for both the university system and university provided no comment since the lawsuit is active. As this case continues, we'll continue to deliver more information.